Cigarettes Française ashtray – Moulin des Loups, France

This vintage advertising ashtray was manufactured by Moulin des Loups in France and likely dates back to the 1950s or 1960s. Its simple design in white and bold blue bears the inscription "Cigarettes Française" and is typical of the promotional ceramics found in French cafés, bars, and bistros of that era.

What makes this piece unique is that it did not promote a single cigarette brand. Rather, "Cigarettes Française" refers to the cigarettes produced in France by the state tobacco monopoly at the time. The production and distribution of tobacco products were handled by the state-owned SEITA (Société d'exploitation industrielle des tabacs et des allumettes). The ashtray thus served as general advertising for French cigarettes rather than a specific brand like Gitanes or Gauloises.

The underside features the characteristic manufacturer's stamp of Moulin des Loups with a windmill, as well as the number "878.28.09." A beautiful piece of French bistro and advertising culture from the post-war period.

• Origin: France
• Period: approx. 1950s–1960s
• Material: glazed ceramic
• Dimensions: approx. 14 × 13 × 2 cm
• Weight: approx. 115 g
• Quantity: 1 piece

This is a vintage utilitarian object showing corresponding signs of age and use. Please also refer to the detailed images.